I understand that most true freshman are not ready for the bright lights and pressures of big time college football. But Jake Heaps is no ordinary freshman. He is the kind of talent that comes along to a school like BYU once every twenty years or so. While Heaps has been enrolled in school since January, his education needs to begin now.
This rotating quarterbacks thing is not going to work. The Cougars won in spite of this quirky system against Washington, and against Air Force, they had no chance to come back with it.
Jerry Sloan had the same philosophy with rookies. He wouldn't even start Deron Williams his rookie season. But Sloan has finally come around. Guys like Paul Millsap and Wesley Matthews gave Sloan the confidence to give significant playing time to younger players.
It's time for Bronco Mendenhall to do the same.
Heaps has all the physical tools to become the next great BYU quarterback. But this rotation system, whether it's every other series, or situational, isn't helping him develop. In fact, it may be harming him.
Against Air Force, Heaps played a grand total of three series, threw one interception, and never saw the field again. Heaps has to be able to make a mistake and not risk his playing time. If he's fearful that every time he throws a pick, he's going to be benched in favor of Riley Nelson, he'll never feel comfortable.
What better time to start the official Jake Heaps era than against Florida State. The Seminoles are bound to put up their share of points on the Cougars, and a running quarterback like Nelson isn't going to work against a fast time like Florida State.
It's time for Bronco to trust the freshman and hand over the keys to the Cougar offense. The future depends on it.
